Sunsets of Sicily and
Balearic Isles

The present mingles seamlessly with the past in Palermo, a magnificent city and a reminder that Sicily hasn’t always been Italian. A coveted gem, Palermo has been governed by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and the French, becoming Italian only in 1860. The result is a vibrant crossroads of culture, cuisine, and creativity in a compact destination. The senses are provoked by its everything-at-once quality, from Islamic domes and Christian churches to Baroque palazzos and UNESCO-listed sites, of which nine are registered as protected treasures. But it’s the city’s unique cuisine that unites all its marauding rulers, blending the bold flavors of its conquerors into cohesive dishes that reward every discerning traveler.

Often overshadowed by its Balearic neighbors, Menorca stands out with its own unique charm. With 75 coves and just as many white-sand beaches, it's a sanctuary for nature lovers. The capital, Port Mahon, is home to one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful natural harbors, while the city's palaces, churches, and historic monuments showcase its rich past. The Teatro Principal, Spain's oldest opera house, and the island's traditional gin, still crafted from a centuries-old recipe, add to Menorca's allure. From the panoramic viewpoints around Mahon, you'll feel as though you rule the entire Mediterranean.
Spanish, yet deeply Menorcan, the island has its own language, cuisine, and craftsmanship. Menorca is also a starlight reserve, offering a sky like no other. When night falls, the island unveils a dreamscape where you can truly get lost in nature's beauty.

Set on the sunlit coast of southern France, Collioure enchants with its vivid colours, artistic legacy and intimate Mediterranean charm. Between the sea and the foothills of the Pyrenees, this former fishing village reveals a luminous landscape of pastel façades, quiet coves and narrow lanes steeped in character. Wander along the waterfront, where fishing boats sway beneath the bell tower of Notre-Dame-des-Anges, then lose yourself in streets lined with galleries, cafés and traces of the artists who found inspiration here, from Matisse to Derain. Above the village, the Royal Castle stands watch over the bay, while vineyards and coastal paths open onto wide, sea-swept views. Collioure is a graceful southern escape, where light, art and the gentle rhythm of the Mediterranean meet in perfect harmony.

Often described as bold and full of life, Marseille embraces its vibrant spirit and unapologetic energy. As France’s oldest and second-largest city, it doesn’t just belong to the South—it is the South: a vibrant mix of aioli, pastis, and navettes, carried by the mistral, and watched over by the iconic Bonne Mère*. In its neighborhoods— from Le Panier to Mazargues, from La Pointe Rouge to La Castellane—people discuss a bit of politics, a lot of rap, and are an undeniable passionate about football.
Yet to truly feel its pulse, you must soak in the salty air of La Canebière and the Old Port, stroll down Le Prado, marvel at the MuCEM by the sea. Look out to Château d’If, imagining The Count of Monte Cristo… Explore the Calanques, be inspired by Le Corbusier’s Radiant City, or discover Vauban’s grand fortifications. Marseille is an ancient ever-changing mosaic of cultures, revealing itself only to those who follow its rhythm.

*Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica